"The unreasonable international order has not changed," he told the People's Daily.

Reviewing the year's events, Mr. Tang sounded a rather upbeat note, describing an "overall peaceful" world disturbed only by localized wars.

He expressed profound unease about the Middle East and cautious hopes about a new beginning in Afghanistan.

Mr. Tang also noted China's concern about the world economy, saying that for the first time since the 1970s all three major economic blocks were in decline at the same moment.

He said that China's status had risen in the world and that the attacks had helped bring the big powers together to coordinate their actions.

After a rocky start to the year, the United States was now closer to both Moscow and Beijing, he said.

In particular, he stressed that it had prompted many leaders, including President Jiang Zemin, to call each other and to consult directly with one another.

"The kind of talk among leaders has played an irreplaceable role for the adjustment and furthering of international relations," Mr. Tang said.

The interview has been given before the United States' unilateral decision to withdraw from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty.

He also said that non-conventional security issues were now interwoven with traditional security fears.

Mr. Tang said terrorism was not confined to any one people or religion and he insisted that China opposed terrorism in any form.

Looking ahead to the coming year, he said the emphasis would be on preparing the groundwork for the 16th Party Congress in the autumn.

(China Daily December 18, 2001)